We just love big binos. So, you’ll pardon our excitement over these new, high-performance 80mm “giants.” They’re the finest 80s we’ve ever carried, combining high-power, premium-grade optics with cross-reinforced mechanical construction and a captive, weight-balancing 1/4"-20 pedestal that couples directly to a camera tripod without the need for a separate L-adapter. If you’re the type of person who appreciates owning the best, whether it be in an automobile, in a stereo system, or in a viewing instrument, then you will treasure the absolutely exquisite images you’ll get from an Orion MegaView 80mm binocular.

These big-eyed binocs feature precision-ground and polished 80mm-diameter objective lenses and the finest BAK-4 prisms, with all optical surfaces fully multi-coated for outstanding image brightness. The large objectives permit high magnifications of 15x, 20x, or 30x (depending on the model) while maintaining vivid images, which is why MegaViews are so good for night-sky excursions. Contrast is aided by extendable objective dew/glare hoods and pop-down rubber eyeguards, which come in handy for both nighttime and daytime use. Edge-of-field sharpness is better than we have seen in any other 80mm binoculars. And their long eye relief ensures viewing comfort, even if you wear glasses.

Mechanically, MegaViews exude strength and precision. Their heavy-duty, aluminum die-cast bodies are braced lengthwise with a thick aluminum rod and crosswise with a metal bridge at the end of the barrels, to preserve accurate collimation by preventing any possible flexing of the barrels. The aluminum rod doubles as an anchor for the captive 1/4"-20 post, which allows direct attachment of the binocular to a tripod head. The post can be positioned anywhere along the rod for optimum balance of the binocular, depending on the viewing angle—a unique and practical feature. There’s no need for a separate tripod L-adapter.

I would have initially preferred the 20x80 model, but I went with the 15x80 because I absolutely need the full 20mm of eye relief for observing with my glasses on. I have not been at all disappointed with my decision. For those who don't already know, the MegaView line is made by Vixen. Even though the binocular body says "Orion" the box it came in said "Vixen." That said, the build quality is excellent. Focus is smooth and stays in place. The center braced mount is very rigid. Optics are all nicely coated and there's not much stray light bouncing back. As you would expect of most binoculars, the optics are not perfectly corrected out to the edge. There is a loss of sharpness as you move out from the center. However, the useable field of view is still large enough and the edge distortion is sufficiently subtle as to not be distracting unless you're deliberately looking for it. Color correction is quite good. Again, you can find some false color if you look for it, but in typical use you would not notice any problems. The weight is comfortably handled by a light Bogen photo tripod and an old pan/tilt head. Believe it or not, you can use these handheld for brief periods and even longer if you can brace your forearms on something. The price seemed a tad high at first, but if you need this combination of features (particularly the long eye relief) there's nothing else out there and these are a quality product. Overall, I believe these are a very nicely produced pair of big binoculars that would be at home in astronomical or terrestrial use.